Mani (Musician) – Stone Roses Bassist Dies at Age 63
Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the influential bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at 63 in November 2025. His death brought an outpouring of tributes from across the music world and prompted many fans to seek details about his life, his career, and the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Mani was a defining figure in the Manchester music scene and played a central role in shaping the sound of British indie rock across three decades. From his early days with The Stone Roses to his later work with Primal Scream, his bass lines became a hallmark of the Madchester era.
His death at home in Stockport was confirmed by his family, who later disclosed the cause. Here is what is known about his death, his life, and his legacy.
When Did Mani the Musician Die?
Gary “Mani” Mounfield died on 20 November 2025. He was 63 years old. The death occurred peacefully at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, just four days after his birthday. Paramedics attended the scene, and he was declared dead at the residence. The death was reported as non-suspicious and was not referred to a coroner.
- Mani was the bassist for two iconic British rock bands: The Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
- He died peacefully in his sleep at age 63, just four days after his 63rd birthday.
- His cause of death was confirmed as respiratory issues from a chronic lung condition, specifically emphysema.
- Tributes poured in from bandmates and the music community, highlighting his influence on British rock.
- His funeral was scheduled for 22 December 2025 in the Manchester area.
- He was survived by his twin sons, Gene and George, who were 13 at the time of his death.
- His wife, Imelda Mounfield, died in November 2023 after a battle with stage four bowel cancer.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Mounfield |
| Stage Name | Mani |
| Born | 16 November 1962 |
| Died | 20 November 2025 |
| Age at Death | 63 |
| Cause of Death | Respiratory issues (lung condition, emphysema) |
| Known For | Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream |
| Birthplace | Crumpsall, Manchester, England |
What Was Mani’s Cause of Death?
According to reporting from ITV News Granada, Mani died peacefully in his sleep on 20 November 2025 at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport. His family later confirmed the cause of death as respiratory issues linked to a long-standing lung condition, specifically emphysema. Paramedics attended the home, and he was declared dead at the scene. The death was non-suspicious and was not referred to a coroner.
Was the cause of death confirmed by officials?
Yes. ITV News Granada reported in mid-December 2025 that the family had authorised the release of the cause of death. No official autopsy was required because the death was attended by paramedics and fell under natural causes related to a known medical condition.
What is emphysema and how does it affect the body?
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it progressively harder to breathe. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can develop over many years. In Mani’s case, the condition was described as “long-standing,” suggesting he had lived with it for some time.
Emphysema is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritants, though genetic factors can also play a role. The condition is not curable, but symptoms can be managed. Respiratory failure is a known complication in advanced stages.
Who Was Mani? Biography and Early Life
Gary Mounfield was born on 16 November 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester, England. He adopted the stage name “Mani” early in his career and rose to prominence as the bassist of The Stone Roses, one of the most influential bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
What is Mani’s real name?
His real name was Gary Mounfield. He performed professionally as “Mani” throughout his career, a nickname that became synonymous with the Manchester music scene.
What bands did Mani play in?
Mani was best known as the bassist for The Stone Roses, a band that defined the Madchester sound with its 1989 self-titled debut album. After the band split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream as bassist, contributing to their later albums. In 2011, following a reunion of The Stone Roses members at his mother’s funeral, the band reformed for a series of reunion tours. His career also included session work and collaborations with other artists. For a deeper dive into his earliest work, explore the Stone Roses biography.
He remained active in music up until his death, maintaining a presence in both the recording and touring circuits. His role in Primal Scream continued for nearly three decades, making him a constant figure in British alternative rock.
Who Was Mani’s Wife and Did He Have Children?
Mani was married to Imelda Mounfield. She died in November 2023 at the age of 50 after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2020. Her death came two years before Mani’s own passing.
The couple had twin sons, Gene and George, who were 13 years old at the time of their father’s death in November 2025. The boys survived both parents, and Mani’s family indicated they would be cared for by close relatives.
Mani’s family requested privacy following his death, and further details about his children or extended family have not been publicly disclosed beyond what was confirmed through ITV News.
Imelda Mounfield’s death from cancer in 2023 was a significant personal loss for Mani. Those close to the musician noted that he had been deeply affected by her illness and passing.
When Was Mani Born? A Timeline of Key Life Events
- 16 November 1962 — Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, England.
- 1980s — Joined The Stone Roses as bassist, helping shape the band’s early sound.
- 1989 — The Stone Roses released their self-titled debut album, a landmark record of the Madchester era.
- 1994 — The band released their second album, Second Coming.
- 1996 — The Stone Roses split; Mani joined Primal Scream as bassist.
- 2011 — Stone Roses members reunited at Mani’s mother’s funeral, leading to reunion tours from 2012 onward.
- 20 November 2025 — Died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, aged 63.
- 17 December 2025 — Cause of death confirmed publicly via ITV News Granada.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Mani’s Death?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: 16 November 1962 | Exact timeline of his lung condition diagnosis — not publicly detailed |
| Date of death: 20 November 2025 | Specifics of his final days or any hospitalisation — not reported |
| Age at death: 63 | Whether he had other underlying health conditions — not disclosed |
| Cause of death: respiratory issues linked to emphysema (confirmed by family via ITV News) | Whether he received ongoing treatment for emphysema — not specified |
| Death was non-suspicious, paramedics attended, no coroner referral | Full details of estate or funeral arrangements beyond the date — not made public |
| Wife: Imelda Mounfield (died 2023); twin sons: Gene and George (13 at time of his death) | Whether further family members were involved in his care — not confirmed |
What Bands Did Mani Play In and Why Did He Matter?
Mani’s musical legacy rests on his work with two major bands: The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. As bassist for The Stone Roses, he contributed to one of the most celebrated debut albums in British rock history. The band’s fusion of jangly guitars, dance rhythms, and psychedelic influences defined the Madchester movement and influenced countless artists that followed.
After the Roses disbanded, Mani brought his distinctive bass style to Primal Scream, a band that evolved from indie rock into experimental and electronic territories. He played on albums such as Vanishing Point and XTRMNTR, helping the band maintain a critically respected edge. His career also included reunion tours with The Stone Roses, which saw the band perform to massive audiences at venues including Manchester’s Heaton Park and London’s Wembley Stadium. For more on his later work, see the Primal Scream discography.
Beyond the music, Mani was regarded as a warm and approachable figure in the industry. His death prompted tributes not only from bandmates but also from fans who remembered him as a key part of the cultural fabric of Manchester.
What Did Fellow Musicians and Public Figures Say About Mani?
“The Stone Roses pay tribute to ‘our wonderful brother’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield after his death aged 63.”
— BBC News, 21 November 2025
“Music legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield died peacefully in his sleep of ‘respiratory issues’ linked to a long-standing lung condition.”
— ITV News Granada, 17 December 2025
“Gary Mounfield (16 November 1962 – 20 November 2025), known professionally as Mani, was an English bassist, best known for being a member of the rock bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream.”
Ian Brown, Mani’s former bandmate in The Stone Roses, paid a personal tribute. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, called him a “magnificent musician and Mancunian.” The sentiments were echoed across social media and music press, with many recalling his kindness, his sense of humour, and his deep musical instinct.
What Is Mani’s Lasting Legacy?
Gary “Mani” Mounfield leaves behind a body of work that helped define British rock for a generation. As the bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, his playing was both foundational and distinctive. His death at 63, from complications of a long-standing lung condition, closed a chapter in the story of Manchester music. He is remembered for his musicianship, his role in the Stone Roses’ legacy, and his personal warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mani
What bands did Mani play in?
Mani was the bassist for The Stone Roses and later Primal Scream.
Where was Mani born?
He was born in Crumpsall, Manchester, England.
How old was Mani when he died?
He was 63 years old at the time of his death on 20 November 2025.
Was Mani married?
He was married to Imelda Mounfield, who died in November 2023 after a battle with bowel cancer.
Did Mani have children?
Yes, he had twin sons, Gene and George, who were 13 at the time of his death.
What was Mani’s real name?
His real name was Gary Mounfield.
When was Mani born?
He was born on 16 November 1962.
What was the cause of Mani’s death?
Respiratory issues linked to emphysema, a long-standing lung condition.
Where did Mani die?
He died at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, England.
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